Assessment of the Petrochemical Industry Pollution on the Skikda Bay, Algeria

Houria Chettibi,Noureddine Bouzerna,Boutefnouchet Nafissa

doi:10.3390/ijerph2005030011

Houria Chettibi, Noureddine Bouzerna + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph2005030011

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Abstract

The Skikda bay is located in the northern part of Algeria. The area is in contact with a petrochemical industrial complex, which raw materials and final products contaminate the surrounding areas via atmospheric pollution as well as effluents, which are dumped into seawaters. To establish the effects of these pollutants and waste disposal on the vicinity of the bay, several samples were taken at different distances along the bay and the outfall pipes of the industrial complex. Subsequently, several chemical analyses were made to analyze the concentrations of hydrocarbons, CO[2], Ca(+2) and Mg(+2), chlorides and phosphates and the alkalinity present into the samples. Several concentrations of the above constituents are reported as a function of the different sites.

Highlights

Its marvellous beaches along the north-eastern part of Algeria characterize Skikda province
Sampling sites extended along six locations close to the refinery of Skikda bay in the north eastern part of Algeria, whereas other major sampling were concentrated on the effluents of the refinery unit in different points, that is samples have been taken from different creeks that have a direct access to seawater and to the creek downstream soil
In the area close to site 4, we find most of the concentration are located close to site 3 and 4 and in site number 6, which is normal because CO2 concentrations increases with the increase of its source, which is in this case hydrocarbons

Summary

Introduction

Its marvellous beaches along the north-eastern part of Algeria characterize Skikda province. Beside these marvellous beaches a huge petrochemical industry plant was built about three decades ago and has become one of the largest refineries in the world. The petrochemical complex of Skikda, from which toxic waste generation is inherent to its usual activities and processes, is located at the border of an important bathing area to which several thousands people travel. The study shows the important concentrations of different chemical constituents found in the dumping area and helps for a better understanding of the contamination process and will push the decision making authority to plan for a corrective actions if necessary in the future

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